You’re better off focusing on just one aspect of a negative experience and asking for a specific resolution.

And if one doesn’t rise to the top? Maybe then you have no grounds for filing a complaint.

One way or another, you’ll have your revenge.

Chronic bellyachers often turn hostile, threatening to sue a company or shame it in the court of public opinion.

Unfortunately, this type of aggressive behavior can quickly backfire, with the complaint either being routed to the legal department (where the lawyers will quickly determine it’s an idle threat) or simply ignored.

My advice? Don’t threaten to sue a company unless the complaint is in its final draft, and you’re ready to go to court.

Otherwise, the company will correctly brand you a crybaby who just isn’t getting its way.

So what separates a whiner from a winner? Look for a reasonable, level-headed, concise case made in writing, along with a specific resolution.

Omit the hyperbole and threats. Those are the ones noticed and addressed by a company.

In extreme cases, the whining is so severe that even my intervention can’t help. It’s too late.

After your vicious email or angry phone call, the company decided it just didn’t want to deal with you, and no amount of politeness will ever make up for it.

Bottom line? Don’t whine. It gets you nowhere fast.

Christopher Elliott is a consumer advocate who blogs about getting better customer service at On Your Side. Connect with him on Twitter and Facebook or send him your questions by email.